Posted on Wednesday, May 21, 2025
In recent years, Titan student-athletes have successfully used crowdfunding to expand the resources and opportunities available in their athletic programs. This social, community-driven approach to giving inspires peers to support one another, creating a ripple effect of generosity. This year, lead donors for Clash of the Titans, Westminster’s athletic crowdfunding campaign, David Deal ’86 and Lee Hite ’66 have recognized the powerful impact of this method. To keep the momentum going during the current Clash of the Titans campaign, they’ve generously offered matching donations and cash prize incentives to motivate teams and fuel the competition for the top spot on the Clash of the Titans fundraising leaderboard.
About our top Clash of the Titans fans:
Lee Hite ’66
Degree: Business Administration
Profession: Chairman, The Hite Company
Location: Altoona, PA
Why did you choose to support Clash of the Titans?
I’ve chosen to support this year’s Clash of the Titans campaign because of the high percentage of student athletes that play a varsity sport at Westminster. Also, I like it with a match, which allows the students a chance to participate and make a greater impact when their gift is matched.
Were you a student-athlete while at Westminster?
I did not play a sport while at WC, but I did participate in club sports and was and still am a sports enthusiast! I also like supporting both men and women teams alike.
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David Deal ’86
Degree: Business Administration and History
Profession: Vice President of Operations, NV Homes
Location: Bethesda, MD
Sports Played at WC: Football
Why did you choose to provide the prize monies for Clash of the Titans?
I feel that my time at Westminster was an important part of my growth. As an alum, I want to make sure our athletic programs stay competitive in the current higher education environment. It’s imperative to stand out and be competitive, particularly in recruiting.
What’s a fond memory of your time as a student-athlete at Westminster?
The relationships I built with teammates and Coaches like Huey and Renninger really stand out in my memory. I am close with these individuals even today, often seeing them and seeking their advice in my adult life. They have had a lot of impact on my maturity and growth.
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One of the biggest advantages of using an online giving platform like GiveCampus for Clash of the Titans is that it allows any donor to create and use matching gifts, making every contribution—no matter the amount —exponentially more impactful. Many donors offered up generous matches before the campaign’s launch for specific (or all) sports, while others chose to establish matches after launch. Either way, their efforts help motivate peers, increase donations and showcase the power of collective giving! Campaigns like this, which bring together generous alumni, friends, and current student-athletes, can help students see the lasting impact of alumni support—even years or decades after graduation.
In addition to Hite and Deal's lead matches, thanks to this year’s alumni and friends who have provided additional matches for the current campaign (as of this posting):
Anonymous Friend of WC
Anthony DeJoseph ’69
Betsy Smith ‘81
Bruce '66 & Chizuko Nagle
Bryan '95 and Grace Hoenig
Chad '97 and Kristin Wise
Craig ’97 and Rachael Villwock
Joseph '85 and Mitchell Jordano
Joseph ’63 and Katharine Plummer
Madeline French ‘16
Rich Beard ‘95
Robin '75 and Dave Gooch '75
Russell ’69 and Catherine Boston
William Neely ’62
The Clash of the Titans crowdfunding campaign is live through Friday, May 23 at 5 p.m.
